The Habit of Excellence: Why British Army Leadership Works

Description

The official British Army book on how to become a better leader - whatever your field The Habit of Excellence is a unique insight into British Army leadership, explaining what makes it unique, what makes it so effective and what civilians can take from it to become better leaders themselves. Drawing on the latest research in military history, business, sociology, psychology and behavioural science, and with compelling illustration from British Army operations across the centuries, Lt Col Langley Sharp MBE goes beyond the latest leadership fads to distil into one peerlessly authoritative work the essence of leading and leadership from one of the world's most revered institutions.

Langley Sharp MBE was head of the Centre for Army Leadership, part of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, responsible for championing leadership excellence across the British Army. Having himself graduated from Sandhurst two decades ago, his service in the Parachute Regiment, which included operational command at every rank, saw him deployed to Northern Ireland, Macedonia, Afghanistan and Iraq. Among his many varied roles, he led a counter-insurgency Task Force operation, commanded a Parachute Regiment Battalion and delivered the Ministry of Defence's training programme for the London 2012 Olympics, for which he was awarded an MBE. He retired from the British Army in 2022 after 23 years of service. This is his first book.

An extraordinary read for any leader. Truly brilliant -- General Stanley McChrystal, author of Team of Teams This book is so impactful. If you want to become a better leader, read this book -- Eddie Jones, Head Coach, England national rugby union team Offers proven tools and strategies ... This excellent book challenges popular assumptions about British Army leadership, revealing what makes it the "gold standard" -- Matthew Syed, author of Rebel Ideas Excellent. It's hard to see how any leader, whatever their field, wouldn't benefit from reading and rereading it -- Ed Smith * New Statesman * Offers lessons for all managers * Financial Times * Valuable in any walk of life -- General Sir Mike Jackson, former Chief of the General Staff This very readable book uncovers the skills and qualities that have made Sandhurst a byword for effective leadership. I could not recommend this exceptional book more -- General The Lord David Richards, former Chief of the Defence Staff Great leadership is fundamentally a question of character . . . This is a handbook for those aspiring to be great leaders everywhere -- Lord Mark Sedwill, former Cabinet Secretary and National Security Advisor A terrific book - one that is full of insights and lessons that will be of enormous value to leaders in all fields! -- General David Petraeus, former Director of the CIA Lieutenant Colonel Langley Sharp's elaboration of the British Army's approach to leadership is comprehensive and clearly written, and provides valuable lessons for soldiers and civilians alike. As organisations grapple with the enormous changes underway - whether due to rapid technological advances or the changes in working practices brought about by the pandemic - understanding the basics of leadership will be essential if leaders and their organisations are to survive and thrive in our fast-paced environment -- Karin von Hippel, Director-General, RUSI There are lessons in the approach to leadership taken by the military that apply to business and other walks of life . . . the principles set out here are worthy of attention -- Roger Trapp * Forbes *